188th Annual Convention

Welcome Letter From Bishop Duckworth

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Each year, we gather from across our diocese as one family in Christ to share in the Church’s work. This work calls for your presence—not only to review our Constitution and Canons and elect the next class of diocesan officers, but also to spend time together, strengthen our bonds, and celebrate the ministry we share in Jesus’ name.

I am delighted to announce this year’s Convention theme, one that captures the richness and diversity of ministries throughout our diocese and points us toward the future of the Church: Love Out Loud.

When I reflect on Love Out Loud, I think of how Jesus embodied God’s love in visible, tangible ways. He fed the hungry, sat with lepers, welcomed women, and challenged the powerful. We’ve heard these stories so often that their radical nature can fade in our minds. Yet through Jesus, this way of loving defied cultural norms and power structures, and it still does today. Time and again, regardless of cost, Jesus chose to love out loud. We have no greater example.

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

— John 13:34–35

Sometimes loving out loud means serving meals to the food insecure, or weaving sleeping mats from grocery bags for the unhoused. It can be stepping into new forms of lay ministry, gathering in small groups for study and prayer, showing up for worship and advocacy, quietly caring for one another, or encouraging a congregation to dream boldly. It might even mean trying a ministry you never imagined yourself doing. In every form, our ministries, large and small, show the world that we are walking in the way of Christ’s love.

We know that living this call can be demanding, requiring both perseverance and faith. Yet, in our diocese, we take up God’s work with joy. On that note, I warmly invite you to join us for the 188th Annual Convention this October:

    • Share what is happening in your congregation
    • Be inspired by the work and witness of others
    • Be reminded why your call—whether lay or ordained—matters so deeply to the life and growth of our diocese
    • Worship and pray together

I am also very excited to share with you that the Rt. Rev. Jake Owensby, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, will be our preacher at the opening Eucharist.

We also have important resolutions before us this year, including changes to our Constitution, which require a quorum of clergy. Please make every effort to be present. Together, let us continue discovering new ways to Love Out Loud. I look forward to seeing you October 24-25, 2025, at St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth
Bishop of Louisiana

Date and Location

The 188h Annual Convention will be held October 24-25 in the Solomon Theater at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie. Click here for directions.

Check in will begin on Friday at 10:30 a.m with the Call to Order at 12:30 p.m.

Business at Convention

The 188th Annual Convention will be held October 24-25 at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. If you have any questions about the business at Convention, contact the Tamika Gerhardt Chair of the Dispatch of Business, at tgerhardt@edola.org.

Download the Rules of Order of the Convention

Preview of the Order of Business Here

Friday, October 27

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm Check-In (Saints Lobby)

12:30 pm Call to Order (Solomon Theater)

3:30 pm Holy Eucharist (Chapel)

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Reception (Quad)

Saturday, October 28

7:30 am – 8:45 am Check-in (Saints Lobby)

7:30 am  Continental Breakfast (Saints Hall)

9:00 am  Convention Reconvenes (Solomon Theater)

12:00 pm Lunch (Saints Hall & Veranda)

1:00 pm Reconvene (Solomon Theater)

2:30 pm Adjourn

UPCOMING DEADLINES

August 18, 2025

  • Registration opens

September 25, 2025

  • Registration due for all clergy, lay delegates, and visitors
  • Deadline for submission of resolutions
  • Deadline for submissions of nominations
  • Ministry Fair registration due

October 15, 2025

  • Practice Election Runner ballot
  • Pre-convention Meeting via Zoom

Nominations to Elected Offices

We seek people interested in serving in leadership positions in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Read below for offices to be held by election at the upcoming 188th Annual Convention.

The nominations for elected offices closed on September 25th.

Positions open for Nominations:

Secretary of the Diocese: (one) lay or clerical
Treasurer of the Diocese: (one) lay or clerical
Standing Committee: (one) lay and (one) clerical
Executive Board: (two) lay and (one) clerical
Disciplinary Board: (two) lay and (one) clerical
Trustee, University of the South, Sewanee: (one) lay
General Convention Deputation: (four) clerical and (four) Alternates
General Convention Deputation: (four) lay and (four) Alternates

2025 Nominations Form

Secretary of the Diocese - 1 to be elected

Duties: The Secretary serves as Secretary of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and The Convention. It shall be their duty to give timely notice of all annual and special meetings of The Convention, to prepare the list of lay members of The Convention, to record and publish the proceedings of The Convention, to preserve its journals and records, to attest, as occasion may require, its public proceedings, and faithfully to deliver into the hands of his successor all books and papers in his possession relative to the concerns of The Diocese and of The Convention. (See Canon 3)

Term: One year (term to expire 2026)

Nominee- 1 to be elected

Treasurer of the Diocese - 1 to be elected

Duties: The Treasurer is elected by The Convention. The duty of the Treasurer to receive and disburse the funds of The Diocese in accordance with the annual budget. The Treasurer shall make an annual report to The Convention of all sums received and disbursed during the preceding year and shall include in such report a statement of the condition of the assets of each Parish and Diocesan Mission with regard to its annual financial commitment to The Diocese for the work of the Church. (See Canon 3)

Term: One year (term to expire 2026)

Nominee- 1 to be elected

Standing Committee - 1 clerical and 1 lay to be elected

Duties: The work of the Standing Committee, as set forth in Canon 4, Section 3, of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, “shall be to fulfill all functions required of it by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and of The Diocese and to act as a council of advice for The Bishop.” The Standing Committee works with the Commission on Ministry to ensure the canons are followed in regard to the ordination process. This includes interviews with candidates throughout their ordination process. The Standing Committee also processes requests from other dioceses for consent to the election of bishops. The Standing Committee oversees the election process should there be an election for Bishop. The Standing Committee also is required to approve transactions involving any immovable property held in the name of the Diocese. Meetings are held as necessary, with required attendance at the Ministry Conference in January.

Standing Committee members will be most effective if they work will with others, understand and appreciate the complexity of ministry, possess an understanding of sound business practices, and have a deep love of the Lord and of the Church.

Term: Four years (term to expire 2029)

Clerical Nominees – 1 to be elected

Lay Nominees – 1 to be elected

Executive Board - 1 clerical and 2 lay to be elected

Duties: The Executive Board shall have charge of the development and prosecution of the work of the Church, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese and to the direction of The Convention. It shall have the power and authority to implement and carry out the programs and policies adopted by The Convention and to act for The Convention between meetings thereof, except where the authority is reserved to the Standing Committee. The Bishop shall be the executive head of all such work, and the Board shall assist the Bishop in the administration thereof. (See Canon 7.1)

Term: Three years (term to expire 2028)

Clerical Nominees – 1 to be elected

Lay Nominees – 2 to be elected

Disciplinary Board - 1 clerical and 2 lay to be elected

Duties and Eligibility: There shall be a Disciplinary Board consisting of nine persons, five of whom shall be Priests or Deacons canonically resident in The Diocese and four of whom shall be lay persons who are adult confirmed communicants in good standing of a Parish or Mission in union with The Convention of The Diocese. No member of the Executive Board, the Standing Committee or The Bishop’s staff shall be eligible elected or serve as a member of the Board. No Chancellor or Vice-chancellor of The Diocese and no person serving as Advisor, Conciliator, Church Attorney, Intake Officer or Investigator shall be eligible to be elected or serve as a member of the Board.

Term: Three years. Terms shall be staggered so that one-third of the Board is reelected each year. A member of the Board shall not serve for longer than two successive three-year terms, but shall be eligible for election to the Board after having been a non-member for one Convention year. Each term shall run until the conclusion of the annual meeting of The Convention held three years following the date of the member’s election. (term to expire 2028)

Clerical Nominees – 1 to be elected

Lay Nominees – 2 to be elected

Sewanee Board of Trustees - 1 lay to be elected

Duties: The University of the South has, as part of its governing system, two boards —— the Board of Reagents and the Board of Trustees. The Board of Regents is somewhat like a vestry, and handles much of the fiduciary responsibility of the school. The Board of Trustees, on the other hand, is a board of people that are interested in promoting the University and its Seminary. In turn, they are to be agents of information for those in their dioceses. The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees usually occurs in late October, when new members are installed , when honorary degrees are given, and the business of the board occurs. Each diocese has one clerical and two lay representatives. The by-laws of the university do stipulate that some actions of the Regents must be approved by the Trustees.

Term: The term is for three years. (Term begins October 2026 and term ends October 2029)

Lay Nominee(s) – 1 to be elected

General Convention Deputation - 4 clerical and 4 alternates to be elected; 4 lay and 4 alternates to be elected

Election: Each Diocese is entitled to elect four Lay and four Clerical Deputies to attend General Convention. Each Diocese may also elect Alternate Deputies in each of the Lay and Clerical orders. The Diocese of Louisiana elects up to four Alternates in each order. A person may choose to be nominated for election as an Alternate but not be nominated for election as a Deputy.

Qualifications: Lay Deputies and Alternates must be confirmed adult (age 18 or older) communicants in good standing of a congregation of the Diocese of Louisiana. Clerical Deputies and Alternates must be priests or deacons canonically resident in the Diocese of Louisiana.

Duties and Expectations: The 82nd General Convention will be held in July 2027. Deputies and Alternates are expected to spend substantial time reviewing information (including Bluebook reports) relevant to each area in which votes will be cast at General Convention. There are typically about 20 areas, including Constitution and Canons, Music and Liturgy, Budget, World Mission, Church Pension Fund, Congregational Vitality, Evangelism and other areas. The Deputies and Alternates who will be attending General Convention typically divide the review of materials among themselves and meet several times during the year to discuss the issues. The number of meetings is determined in part by the number and complexity of issues anticipated at the upcoming Convention.

Province IV Synod: As part of their preparation for General Convention, Deputies and First Alternates are expected to attend the meetings of Province IV Synod, more details to be announced. The Diocese pays reasonable expenses for Deputies and First Alternates attending Province IV Synod meetings. Second, Third and Fourth Alternates may attend at their own expense. General Convention. Deputies and First Alternates are expected to attend and participate in General Convention, to be held in 2027 in Pheonix, Arizona. They will meet regularly during Convention to discuss important issues and upcoming votes. Deputies selected to serve on Legislative Committees are expected to attend the meetings of their Committees. Deputies and the First Alternates are expected to attend the Legislative Committee meetings for the areas they have been researching and report important issues and developments to the rest of the Deputation. The Diocese pays reasonable expenses for Deputies and First Alternates attending General Convention. Second, Third and Fourth Alternates may attend at their own expense.

Communications with Diocese: During General Convention Deputies and First Alternates are encouraged but not required to communicate important developments back to the Diocese via email to the Diocesan Communications Coordinator or via social media. After Convention the Deputation is required by Canons I.1.4(b) and (c) of the Canons of The General Convention of the Episcopal Church to report to the Diocese the actions taken at General Convention.

Clerical Nominees – 4 Deputies and 4 Alternates to be elected

Lay Nominees – 4 Deputies and 4 Alternates to be elected

Resolutions

Convention rules require resolutions to be submitted to the Committee on Dispatch of Business 30 days prior to Convention or else receive the consent of two-thirds of the members of Convention to be moved from the floor. The deadline for submitting resolutions is September 25th.

2025 Resolutions Form

Amendments to the Diocesan Constitution & Canons submitted for consideration at the 188th Annual Convention

 

Resolution # Title & Link to Full Text Purpose Referred to Action
CCR1 Amend Article V, Sections 3 and 4 Purpose: To amend Article V, Sections 3 and 4 of the Constitution of the Diocese to provide for parity in rights seat, voice and vote of presbyters and deacons at meetings of The Convention.

 

 Hearing Room: Constitution  & Canons – TBA Amended by the Committee on Consitution and Canons

 

Budget Documents

Click the toggles below to view the budget documents for the 188th Annual Convention. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Speed, Diocesan Administrator, at cspeed@edola.org.

2025 Budget Documents for Approval at Convention - Available Soon

Please review the 2025 documents for approval at Convention.

2025 Diocesan Operations Summary Budget
2025 Diocesan Operations Full Budget
2025 Assessment and Program Pledges by Congregation
2025 Clergy Minimum Compensation Package
2025 Gaudet Fund Budget
2025 Solomon Episcopal Conference Center Budget

2025 Budget Unaudited Documents for Review - Available Soon

Please review the 2024 end-of-year unaudited financial documents.

2024 Diocesan Assessment and Program Totals
2024 EDOLA Analysis of Revenue and Expenses
2024 Operations Final Budget Analysis
2024 Diocesan Balance Sheet
2024 Gaudet Fund Balance Sheet
2024 Gaudet Fund Income Statement
2024 Solomon Center Balance Sheet
2024 Solomon Center Budget Analysis

Speakers and Breakout Session

Breakout Sessions – Will be updated soon!

 

Holy Eucharist

Convention Eucharist will be held on Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the St. Martin’s Dan and Frances White Chapel.  All members of the diocese are welcome to attend. Clergy will not vest.

Pre-Convention Meeting

The Pre-convention Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 15 at 6pm via Zoom

Register for Convention

All people of the diocese are invited to attend the 188th Annual Convention. Registration is required. The cost is $80 per person.

Note to delegates: Voting will be conducted electronically via Election Runner. Each delegate will need access to their own email to vote using their own smartphone or tablet. 

Register Here

Registration for the 188th Annual Convention will close on September 25th. If you have any questions or need additional support, please call the Diocesan office at (504) 895-6634.

Ministry Fair

The Ministry Fair will be a chance for diocesan and regional ministries to share what they do and how folks can get involved. Interactive displays and freebies are encouraged, for profit sales are not allowed. All proposed ministry tables are subject to approval.

There is no charge for a table at the Ministry Fair. However, all individuals in attendance, even to “man a table” need to be registered for the Convention. If you are not clergy or a delegate for a parish, please register as a guest. No one is allowed on campus without registration. Convention registration can be found HERE.

The contact person for questions about the Ministry Fair is Grace Rose grose@edola.org

Hotel Block

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Elmwood/Clearview Parkway Area

5150 Mounes Street, Harahan, LA 70123

Reserve your room by clicking here or by phone: 504-733-5646 (dial 0 to be transferred to the front desk agent)

The Group Code is EDL
The cut-off date for this block is October 2nd.
All reservations are held with a major credit/debit card and will have a 72-hour cancellation policy.

Necrology Form

Names of clergy, former diocesan officers, and/or lay delegates who have died since the last meeting of the Diocesan Convention, October 26, 2024, will be read during Convention prayers. Submissions are due by September 25, 2025.
2025 Necrology Form 

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